If earlier 3D printers (machine tools with programmed control that create parts in an additive way), printing volume models were used only under production conditions, today practically everyone can purchase a device for personal use. With the help of them, you can create almost anything: from small trinkets to weapons and even buildings.
3D printing technology
The technology of additive printing was developed in the 80s of the last century. 3D printers were widely spread at the beginning of the XXI century.
The principle of operation of machines for printing volumetric parts can be divided into 3 stages:
- creating a model in the program;
- processing the model by software;
- formation (printing) of the object by layering the material.
There are several technologies of additive printing, among which are:
- The method of layer-by-layer welding (FDM). Models are created by laying in a certain order a melted thread of wax, metal or plastic.
- Stereolithography (SLA). The basis for the object is a liquid polymer, which solidifies under the influence of laser radiation.
- Selective Laser Fusion (SLM). The technology by which the metal parts of components and assemblies are created from metal chips by mathematical models.
- Digital LED printing (DLP). The technology involves the use of liquid plastic, which hardens under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
REFERENCE! One of the latest developments of scientists is bioprinter, whose printing technology involves the creation of organs and tissues. Objects are created by interconnecting droplets containing living cells, which should then begin to divide, grow and modify.
What prints 3D printer
Depending on the application and purpose, devices for creating volumetric models can be used various materials.
ABC plastic
The scientific name of plastic is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It is one of the best consumables for volumetric modeling, as it has a lot of positive qualities - impact resistance, elasticity and wear resistance. In addition, ABC-plastic is non-toxic and has no odor. You can purchase the material in the form of coils with thin threads.
IMPORTANT! It is possible to create only one-color, dense models from ABC-plastic. Products will be durable and will not lose their appearance and qualities, if you keep them away from direct sunlight.
Acrylic
Unlike ABC plastic, transparent models can be printed with acrylic. Its melting point exceeds 240 degrees Celsius, which must be taken into account, as it cools down, acrylic hardens very quickly.
IMPORTANT! Air bubbles formed in acrylic can ruin the appearance of the finished product.
Concrete
For printing on additive machines use new types of concrete, which are almost identical to the building materials of stone. To date, only test samples have been created. Huge in size devices in less than a day can print a small house.
Paper
Paper models printed on 3D printers are most often used to create prototypes of computer projects. By themselves, the models do not differ in strength and attractive appearance, but are created at a record speed. Devices that use paper as a consumable create models by gluing one layer to another.
IMPORTANT! Paper is one of the most affordable and common materials for modeling at home.
Hydrogel
Soft biocompatible with living tissues material is used in 3D modeling to create various transport devices that can deliver drugs into the human body.
So scientists from the United States created robots whose height did not exceed 1 cm. On their surface were placed cells of the cardiac tissue, which, by contracting, set them in motion. It is planned that such robots in the future will be able to participate in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases of varying severity.
Gypsum
Gypsum materials in 3D printing are as widely used as paper, acrylic or plastic. Models made from them do not have a special durability, but the available cost fully covers this circumstance. Gypsum products are used for the design of presentation projects.
Wood fiber
Wood fiber is an innovative material. The idea of creation belongs to the famous inventor Kai Party. A fiber consisting of synthetics and natural wood resembles polylactide in properties. Products made of it are similar to things made of natural oak or birch, but unlike them, they are much stronger and more durable.
IMPORTANT! Today, wood fiber is used only in RepRap printers.
Ice
Extremely beautiful ice figures can also be created on 3D printers. Since 2006, thanks to the development of two Canadian scientists, it has become clear that not only acrylic and paper can be used as consumables for bulk printing. A mixture of water and methyl ether at a temperature below 22 degrees turns into small objects, which, of course, do not have a special durability and strength.
Metal powder
Thanks to the use of metal powder, it became possible to create products that are highly durable - parts and spare parts for equipment and electronics, and even jewelry is printed from light precious metals and their alloys, such as copper, aluminum, gold and silver.
IMPORTANT! Products made from such a powder themselves have a high thermal conductivity. To neutralize it, add ceramic chips.
Nylon
Nylon is often used in three-dimensional modeling, as the parts created with its help are soft and elastic.
IMPORTANT! Nylon has many drawbacks, including toxicity.
Polycaprolactone
Polycaprolactone is considered one of the most sought-after consumables for additive modeling. It melts well under the influence of sub-zero temperatures, quickly hardens, is biodegradable and is completely harmless.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is a plastic that can retain its characteristics and properties under the influence of different temperatures. Used to create heavy-duty models.
Polylactide (PLA)
Polylactide is recognized as the most safe and environmentally friendly material. It is made from beet silo and maize and biomass. Among the disadvantages of polylactide are the fragility and ability to decompose under the influence of heat and light.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is recognized to be the easiest plastics known to the world. It resists abrasion well, but melts worse. Changes the shape of the cold, unstable to oxygen.
Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU)
Polyphenylsulfone, which resembles ordinary glass, surpasses polypropylene in strength many times. He came to 3D modeling from the aircraft industry and was recognized as the best material for creating products with high heat resistance and hardness.
Low Pressure Polyethylene (HDPE)
Polyethylene is found in everyday life at almost every step. They make plastic containers for beverages, packaging films and containers, PVC pipes, etc. In 3D printing, it is a leader, as it can be used in any of the known technologies.
Chocolate
3D printers, "working on chocolate," will soon become a mandatory attribute of each confectionery. With their help, you can create figurines from a sweet material of any complexity. The technology of their creation consists in consecutive layering of one chocolate layer on another, which quickly harden in the cold.
Other materials
In the world there is a huge selection of 3D printers that use the most unexpected consumables to work. These include devices that work on lime, food and even living organics. Whether they will gain wide popularity and whether they will be in demand, only time will tell.
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